Chelsea vs Manchester United LIVE: Blues seal imperative victory with top five place at stake
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: Enzo Maresca’s collected a crucial three points to keep themselves inside the Champions League places
Marc Cucurella’s invaluable header proved the difference as Chelsea emerged with an imperative win over struggling Manchester United to keep their Champions League destiny in their own hands.
Man United thought they had the lead when Harry Maguire volleyed home from a delightful Bruno Fernandes cross in the first half, only to be ruled a shoulder offside by VAR.
Chelsea continued to be frustrated despite growing into the game, with Reece James coming closest in the first half with a stunning effort that struck the post.
But it was James who inspired the eventual winner, pirouetting on the edge of the box before picking out Cucurella who headed home, putting Chelsea on course to a victory that maintained their place in the top five.
They now need just one more win - on the final day - to ensure Champions League qualification for next term, with Aston Villa breathing down their neck after beating Tottenham earlier in the evening.
Relive all the action from Stamford Bridge with our live blog below:
Chelsea 0-0 Man United
10 mins: Man United have enjoyed a decent amount of the ball so far but haven’t been able to do much with it.
Chelsea then try break away with George but his pass is accidentally blocked by referee Chris Kavanagh. Drop ball.
'Big responsibility for Tyrique George'
So it is actually Tyrique George leading the line, not Pedro Neto. A big responsibility for the teenager on his first Premier League start. Meanwhile, predictably, Mount has been booed.
Chelsea 0-0 Man United
5 mins: CHANCE! Massive chance for Chelsea to nab an early lead!
Fantastic pass through the gap from Palmer picks out an on-rushing Madueke in space in the box.
Madueke hits it first time but shins it over the bar from close range!
Chelsea 0-0 Man United
3 mins: Early glimpse for United as Fernandes whips in a delightful delivery towards a head in red, but the resulting effort loops into the hands of Sanchez.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 0-0 Man United
And we’re underway!
Mason Mount gets on the ball early and gets the expected reaction from the Chelsea faithful - a chorus of boos.
Closing in on kick-off
Just a few minutes until we get underway at Stamford Bridge.
It’s must-win for Chelsea, while Man United’s main concern will be leaving London with all their players unscathed ahead of next week’s Europa League final.
Stay tuned for all the action, next up.
The objective is simple for Chelsea
For the Blues, the task for the remainder of the season is simple. Two games left, two wins needed to ensure Champions League football next term.
"It is two games to go,” Maresca said. “We are in a position where we don't need to watch what they do, it is just on us."
Enzo Maresca confirms plan up top
Enzo Maresca has confirmed it will by Tyrique George leading the line for Chelsea.
"I see young talent,” he told Sky Sports. “He can give us lots of energy.
“He is good in these kind of games. We need to attack in-behind and we need threat - he can do that."
Ruben Amorim not concerned about risking injuries
"We have five days to prepare for the final,” he told Sky Sports. “We are focused on this game and sometimes the best way to prepare for a final is to compete."
"The biggest problems (with injuries) that we have this season is during training. So, we never know where the danger is."
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